Giant Cell Arteritis

Overview

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They’ll check to see if your pulse is weak. They’ll also examine your head to look for scalp tenderness or swelling of your temporal arteries.

What tests will be done to diagnose giant cell arteritis?

Your healthcare provider will first order blood tests, like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, to measure how much inflammation (swelling) you have in your body. They may also test for anemia by measuring your hemoglobin level (the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen).

If they suspect temporal arteritis, your provider may order a temporal artery ultrasound or temporal artery biopsy, in which they remove a small piece of your artery and examine it for evidence of inflammation within your vessels.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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